Contrasting Colorado and Utah

This tour is a contrasting journey of discovery from the mighty, majestic mountains of lush Colorado to the red sandstone canyons and incredible National Parks of stunning Utah.

Price per person includes:

Return flights UK to Denver

13 nights accommodation in sought after locations

14 days mid-size car hire

A personalised road book with travel tips and day to day driving itinerary with local area information

Holiday highlights:

Denver and Black Canyon of Gunnison

Historic towns of Telluride and Ouray

Million Dollar Highway, Durango and the Silverton to Durango Railway

Mese Verde National Park and Monument Valley

The Canyonlands, Rocky Mountain National Park and Aspen

Bon Voyage UK Chauffeur Service

Start in style and put the finishing touches to a memorable holiday with our Chauffeur Drive Service. Your smart, uniformed driver will meet you at your door and whisk you to and from the airport terminal so you are guaranteed a stress-free and relaxing journey. You’ll travel in a showroom condition Mercedes E Class for two people or a sumptuous Viano for families or groups up to six.

Your Bon Voyage travel consultant has all the details, so just mention if you’d like this option included in your holiday quote.

Day 1 : Denver - Arrival

Arrive in Denver for the start of your journey of contrasts from the lush greenery of Colorado to the arid lands of Utah. We know one night isn't enough in this cosmopolitan gem, so If you have extra time, we'd suggest a few days exploring the Mile High City either at the beginning of your holiday or a few additional nights before flying home.

Day 2 : Denver - Gunnison

Distance: 218 miles

Make the most of today's journey by starting early and heading west out of Denver and along HWY 24 to Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the US, with magnificent views across ice-laden mounts Elbert and Massive, Colorado's two highest peaks. Its old redbrick street is full of character and it's a great place to stop for lunch. Take the rest of the day to drive slowly through this areas splendid scenery before you arrive in sleepy Gunnison for your first nights stop.

Day 3 - 4 : Gunnison to Telluride or Ouray

Distance: 129 miles

Plan to arrive in Black Canyon of Gunnison early morning, to make the most this unique eerie and unsettling place. The walls are composed of volcanic schist predominantly black in colour, as the gorge reaches depths of over 2000 feet with only 1500 feet across, sunlight rarely illuminates the walls, hence the name Black Canyon. Onwards to your next stop the quaint and picturesque towns of Ouray and Telluride, nestled in the Mountains and justifiably known as the Switzerland of America.

Day 5 -6 : Telluride or Ouray - Durango

Distance: 80 miles

The meandering US550 known as the scenic Million Dollar Highway will ease you into Durango, once a rail junction for the Gold Rush community and now a bustling town. Great for white water rafting and mountain biking and most importantly the station for the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a steam train that departs daily to Silverton -a must see-allow us to prebook this for you.

Day 7 : Durango to Mesa Verde National Park

Distance: 55 miles

Mesa Verde is the only American National Park that protects man-made structures, as opposed to natural features. In hilly, inaccessible country south of Cortez, there are over 4,000 separate historic ruins, many of them large structures built under steep, overhanging cliffs in narrow canyons. This is the most famous and highly visited archaeological site in the US. The Park is also close to Four Corners, the only point where 4 states meet.

Day 8 : Mesa Verde - Monument Valley

Distance: 158 miles

Perhaps the most filmed and photographed landscape in America, this valley of monoliths and buttes has been a favourite Hollywood backdrop for years. Still a traditional Navajo homeland, the local tribes will be happy to give you guided horseback or jeep tours of this legendary tribal park. Have your cameras at the ready for sun up and sun down-truly mesmerizing.

Day 9 - 10 : Monument Valley - Moab

Distance: 168 miles

Moab is a charming western town with scenes from Geronimo, City Slickers and Thelma and Louise were all filmed round here. More importantly it's an ideal spot to explore the nearby Parks. Arches National Park features the worlds greatest concentration of natural stone arches, be sure to view Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock. Whereas Canyonlands is an island in the sky, a high broad mesa (6000ft) with three spectacular major view points. Both are wildernesses of rock and simply stunning.

Day 11 : Moab - Aspen

Distance: 240 miles

En route to Aspen stop a while at Grand Junction -known as a palaeontologist’s playground and home to the greatest prehistoric bones ever recovered. Pristine Mountain locked Aspen will delight you; this appealing place is a haven for fine restaurants and even finer shopping. Very pleasant quaint place to while away an evening. Another alternative stop to Aspen would be Grand Junction. Call the USA experts at Bon Voyage to discuss which would be a better overnight stop for your holiday requirements.

Day 12 - 13 : Aspen - Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance: 246 miles

A tenth the size of Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is undeniably beautiful, straddling the Continental Divide with elevations in excess of 10,000 feet. A third of the park is above the tree line and large areas of snow never melt. Large arctic-style areas of tundra mix with mountain meadows and rich forests. Perfect end to your journey of contrasts.

Day 14 : Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver

Distance: 70 miles

The last day of this contrasting tour of Colorado and Utah before heading back to the UK. However, your adventure doesn't have to end here. Why not extend your stay and explore Denver for a few days or perhaps you may want to head to the bright lights of Las Vegas?

I have been so impressed with the friendly and knowledgeable service I have received. My Travel Advisor has been very helpful; answering questions; making suggestions and giving expert advice - brilliant!